Policy implementation in a networked computing environment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an approach for resolving and/or implementing policies based on layers of a network stack (e.g., cloud computing stack). Specifically, for a given policy that is being resolved, the system first evaluates the applicability of the policy to each layer in the network stack. For a given policy, the system then evaluates the relative effectiveness of applying the policy to achieve the overall goal of the policy. Based on the best fit evaluation of the relative comparison, the system then decides how and where the policy is enacted (e.g., determines a protocol for implementing the policy).

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to policyimplementation. Specifically, embodiments of the present inventionrelate to the evaluation and implementation of policies against networkstack layers in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloudcomputing environment).

BACKGROUND

The networked computing environment (e.g., cloud computing environment)is an enhancement to the predecessor grid environment, whereby multiplegrids and other computation resources may be further enhanced by one ormore additional abstraction layers (e.g., a cloud layer), thus makingdisparate devices appear to an end-consumer as a single pool of seamlessresources. These resources may include such things as physical orlogical computing engines, servers and devices, device memory, andstorage devices, among others.

Policies and standards may be important to various types of cloud-basedimplementations such as healthcare standards, financial regulations,etc. Challenges may exist, however, in that cloud environments may nothave a sufficiently practical approach for implementing and/ormaintaining these policies. Without such an approach, policies may beinconsistently and/or incorrectly applied across the computingenvironment.

SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an approachfor resolving and/or implementing policies based on layers of a networkstack (e.g., cloud computing stack). Specifically, for a given policythat is being resolved, the system evaluates the applicability of thepolicy to each layer in the network stack. For a given policy, thesystem then evaluates (e.g., compares) the relative effectiveness ofapplying the policy in achieving an overall goal of the policy. Based ona “best fit” evaluation of the relative comparison, the system thendecides how and where the policy is enacted (e.g., determines aprotocol/plan for implementing the policy).

A first aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implementedmethod for implementing policies in a networked computing environment,comprising: evaluating an applicability of a policy to a set of layersof a network stack in the networked computing environment, the policybeing drawn from a set of policies stored in at least one computerstorage device; determining an effectiveness of the policy as applied tothe set of layers; and determining, based on the effectiveness, aprotocol for implementing the policy for at least one of the set oflayers.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system forimplementing policies in a networked computing environment, comprising:a memory medium comprising instructions; a bus coupled to the memorymedium; and a processor coupled to the bus that when executing theinstructions causes the system to: evaluate an applicability of a policyto a set of layers of a network stack in the networked computingenvironment, the policy being drawn from a set of policies stored in atleast one computer storage device; determine an effectiveness of thepolicy as applied to the set of layers; and determine, based on theeffectiveness, a protocol for implementing the policy for at least oneof the set of layers.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer programproduct for implementing policies in a networked computing environment,the computer program product comprising a computer readable storagemedia, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storagemedia, to: evaluate an applicability of a policy to a set of layers of anetwork stack in the networked computing environment, the policy beingdrawn from a set of policies stored in at least one computer storagedevice; determine an effectiveness of the policy as applied to the setof layers; and determine, based on the effectiveness, a protocol forimplementing the policy for at least one of the set of layers.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for deployinga system for implementing policies in a networked computing environment,comprising: providing computer infrastructure being operable to:evaluate an applicability of a policy to a set of layers of a networkstack in the networked computing environment, the policy being drawnfrom a set of policies stored in at least one computer storage device;determine an effectiveness of the policy as applied to the set oflayers; and determine, based on the effectiveness, a protocol forimplementing the policy for at least one of the set of layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a system diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative cloud stack diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a method flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments now will be described more fully herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown.This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosureto those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-knownfeatures and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuringthe presented embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do notdenote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of atleast one of the referenced items. The term “set” is intended to mean aquantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, whenused in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an approachfor resolving and/or implementing policies based on layers of a networkstack (e.g., cloud computing stack). Specifically, for a given policythat is being resolved, the system evaluates the applicability of thepolicy to each layer in the network stack. For a given policy, thesystem then evaluates (e.g., compares) the relative effectiveness ofapplying the policy in achieving an overall goal of the policy. Based ona “best fit” evaluation of the relative comparison, the system thendecides how and where the policy is enacted (e.g., determines aplan/protocol for implementing the policy).

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description of cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded, automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active consumer accounts). Resource usage canbe monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for boththe provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). Theconsumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructureincluding network, servers, operating systems, storage, or evenindividual application capabilities, with the possible exception oflimited consumer-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication-hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10, there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computerreadable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal withcomputer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or aspart of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of avariety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic,optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signalmedium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computerreadable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or anysuitable combination of the foregoing.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one ormore networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should beunderstood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12.Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers,redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems,tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as private, community,public, or hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms, and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In oneexample, IBM® zSeries® systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction SetComputer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries®systems, IBM System x® servers, IBM BladeCenter® systems, storagedevices, networks, and networking components. Examples of softwarecomponents include network application server software. In one example,IBM WebSphere® application server software and database software. In oneexample, IBM DB2® database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, System x,BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.)

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 64 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.Consumer portal provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management providescloud computing resource allocation and management such that requiredservice levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning andfulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloudcomputing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated inaccordance with an SLA. Further shown in management layer is policyimplementation, which represents the functionality that is providedunder the embodiments of the present invention.

Workloads layer 66 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtualclassroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transactionprocessing; and consumer data storage and backup. As mentioned above,all of the foregoing examples described with respect to FIG. 3 areillustrative only, and the invention is not limited to these examples.

It is understood that all functions of the present invention asdescribed herein typically may be performed by the policy implementationfunctionality (of management layer 64, which can be tangibly embodied asmodules of program code 42 of program/utility 40 (FIG. 1). However, thisneed not be the case. Rather, the functionality recited herein could becarried out/implemented and/or enabled by any of the layers 60-66 shownin FIG. 3.

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, theembodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented withany type of networked computing environment now known or laterdeveloped.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a system diagram describing the functionalitydiscussed herein according to an embodiment of the present invention isshown. It is understood that the teachings recited herein may bepracticed within any type of networked computing environment 86 (e.g., acloud computing environment 50). A stand-alone computer system/server 12is shown in FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes only. In the event theteachings recited herein are practiced in a networked computingenvironment 86, each client need not have a policy implementation engine(engine 70). Rather, engine 70 could be loaded on a server orserver-capable device that communicates (e.g., wirelessly) with theclients to provide policy implementation therefor. Regardless, asdepicted, engine 70 is shown within computer system/server 12. Ingeneral, engine 70 can be implemented as program/utility 40 on computersystem 12 of FIG. 1 and can enable the functions recited herein. Asfurther shown, engine 70 (in one embodiment) comprises a rules and/orcomputational engine that processes a set (at least one) of rules 78and/or provides policy implementation hereunder.

Along these lines, engine 70 may perform multiple functions similar to ageneral-purpose computer. Specifically, among other functions, engine 70may (among other things): evaluate an applicability of a policy 76 (froma set of policies 74A-N stored in computer storage device(s) 68A-N) to aset of layers 75 of a network stack 77 in networked computingenvironment 86 (e.g., pursuant to a request 73); determine aneffectiveness of the policy 76 as applied to the set of layers 75;determine, based on the effectiveness, a plan/protocol 78 forimplementing the policy 76 for at least one of the set of layers 75;compare a function of each of the set of layers 75 to an underlyingpurpose of the policy 76; determine, for each of the set of layers 75,whether a set of standards set forth in the policy 76 will be met if thepolicy 76 is applied; consolidate the policy 76 with at least one otherpolicy of the set of policies 74A-N that is also applicable to the atleast one layer; generate a rules list 80 from the policy 76 and the atleast one other policy; resolve any conflicts in the rules list 80;generate, responsive to the resolving, a consolidated policy 82 from therules list 80; prioritize parent policies of the set of policies 74A-Nover child policies of the set of policies.

This system describes a method to resolve policies based on the layersof the cloud technology stack. For a given policy that is beingresolved, the system first evaluates the applicability of the policy tothat layer. For a given policy, the cloud system then evaluates therelative effectiveness of applying the policy to a given layer toachieve the overall goal of the policy. Based on the best fit evaluationof the relative comparison, the system then decides how and where thepolicy is enacted.

Referring to FIG. 5, an illustrative cloud stack 100 is shown. Asdepicted, cloud stack 100 comprises various layers, sub-layers andcomponents/modules/services. For example, industrial/business processesas a service layer 102 may provide business application services and/orindustry solutions. Platform as a service layer 104 may provide:applications services sub-layer 106 that provides collaboration,analytics, and/or process management; application lifecycle sub-layer108 that provides developer and tester collaboration, developmentautomation, and/or lifecycle traceability; integration sub-layer 110that provides process integration, application and data integration,identity integration, management integration, and/or spillover/failoverservices; and/or workload services sub-layer 112 that may provideelastic application runtimes, elastic application resources, workload &topology patterns, dynamic workload management, fine-grained SLAenforcement, application health management and self-healing,continuously available applications, multi-tenant applications, and/orworkload and data mobility. Infrastructure as a service layer 114provides: operations support system (OSS) sub-layer 116 that providesservice quality management, image management, service asset management,service operations management, service automation management;optimization sub-layer 118 that provides heterogeneous platformmanagement, workload acceleration, optimized workload placement,virtualized compute, network and storage, and/or power management;and/or security sub-layer 120 that provides security management, tenantisolation, identity management, intrusion detection, and/or dataprotection.

Referring back to FIG. 4, it is understood that policy 76 and/or set ofpolicies 74A-N could be provided in multiple ways. For example, policy76 and/or set of policies 74A-N could be inherited based on: cloud level(inherited from a parent policy); user's role (e.g., developer, tester,deployment, etc.); deployed cloud group (e.g., production versusnon-production); user's business unit (e.g., financial services,healthcare services, etc.); and/or attributes explicitly applied by auser.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE

Shown below is some illustrative computer program code according to anembodiment of the present invention:

Input: A given policy Output: A list of modifications at the necessarycloud layers resolvePolicy(Polcy p):   for each layer l do:    applicability[l] = calcApplicability(p, l)   for each layer l do:    effectiveness[l] = calcEffectiveness(p, l)  calculateLayerModifications(p, applicability, effectiveness)The following algorithm describes a method in which policies can beconsolidated for a given cloud layer:

1. policyList = getRelevantPolicies( ) 2. ruleList = [ ] 3. for policy pin policyList do: 4.    for rule r in policy p do: 5.      ruleList.add(r) 6. ruleList = consolidateCompatibleRules(ruleList)7. ruleList = resolveConflictingRules(ruleList) 8. finalPolicy =generateSinglePolicy(ruleList)These policies may be scoped such that parent policies take precedence,or conversely, such that child policies take precedence.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method flow diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted, in step S1,an applicability of a policy to a set of layers of a network stack inthe networked computing environment is evaluated. In step S2, aneffectiveness of the policy as applied to the set of layers isdetermined. In step S3, a protocol for implementing the policy for atleast one of the set of layers is determined based on the effectiveness.In step S4, the protocol is implemented.

While shown and described herein as a policy implementation solution, itis understood that the invention further provides various alternativeembodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-readable/useable medium that includes computer program code toenable a computer infrastructure to provide policy implementationfunctionality as discussed herein. To this extent, thecomputer-readable/useable medium includes program code that implementseach of the various processes of the invention. It is understood thatthe terms computer-readable medium or computer-useable medium compriseone or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. Inparticular, the computer-readable/useable medium can comprise programcode embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture(e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or moredata storage portions of a computing device, such as memory 28 (FIG. 1)and/or storage system 34 (FIG. 1) (e.g., a fixed disk, a read-onlymemory, a random access memory, a cache memory, etc.).

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs theprocess of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or feebasis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, couldoffer to provide policy implementation functionality. In this case, theservice provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computerinfrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1) that performs theprocesses of the invention for one or more consumers. In return, theservice provider can receive payment from the consumer(s) under asubscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider canreceive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method for policy implementation. In this case, acomputer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1), can beprovided and one or more systems for performing the processes of theinvention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified,etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, thedeployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installingprogram code on a computing device, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1),from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computingdevices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/ormodifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure toenable the computer infrastructure to perform the processes of theinvention.

As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and“computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in anylanguage, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to causea computing device having an information processing capability toperform a particular function either directly or after either or both ofthe following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation;and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent,program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/softwareprogram, component software/a library of functions, an operating system,a basic device system/driver for a particular computing device, and thelike.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode can be provided hereunder and can include at least one processorcommunicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory elementsthrough a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are notlimited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage ofat least some program code in order to reduce the number of times codemust be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/outputand/or other external devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening device controllers.

Network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems,remote printers, storage devices, and/or the like, through anycombination of intervening private or public networks. Illustrativenetwork adapters include, but are not limited to, modems, cable modems,and Ethernet cards.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for implementingpolicies in a networked computing environment, comprising: evaluating anapplicability of a policy to a set of layers of a network stack in thenetworked computing environment, the policy being drawn from a set ofpolicies stored in at least one computer storage device; determining aneffectiveness of the policy as applied to the set of layers; anddetermining, based on the effectiveness, a protocol for implementing thepolicy for at least one of the set of layers.
 2. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, the evaluating comprisingcomparing a function of each of the set of layers to an underlyingpurpose of the policy.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,the determining comprising determining, for each of the set of layers,whether a set of standards set forth in the policy will be met if thepolicy is applied.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,further comprising, consolidating the policy with at least one otherpolicy of the set of policies that is also applicable to the at leastone layer.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, theconsolidating comprising: generating a rules list from the policy andthe at least one other policy; resolving any conflicts in the ruleslist; and generating, responsive to the resolving, a consolidated policyfrom the rules list.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, thedetermining of the protocol comprising prioritizing parent policies ofthe set of policies over child policies of the set of policies.
 7. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, the networked computingenvironment comprising a cloud computing environment, and the networkstack comprising a cloud computing stack.
 8. A system for implementingpolicies in a networked computing environment, comprising: a memorymedium comprising instructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; anda processor coupled to the bus that when executing the instructionscauses the system to: evaluate an applicability of a policy to a set oflayers of a network stack in the networked computing environment, thepolicy being drawn from a set of policies stored in at least onecomputer storage device; determine an effectiveness of the policy asapplied to the set of layers; and determine, based on the effectiveness,a protocol for implementing the policy for at least one of the set oflayers.
 9. The system of claim 8, the memory medium further comprisinginstructions for causing the system to compare a function of each of theset of layers to an underlying purpose of the policy.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, the memory medium further comprising instructions for causingthe system to determine, for each of the set of layers, whether a set ofstandards set forth in the policy will be met if the policy is applied.11. The system of claim 8, the memory medium further comprisinginstructions for causing the system to consolidate the policy with atleast one other policy of the set of policies that is also applicable tothe at least one layer.
 12. The system of claim 11, the memory mediumfurther comprising instructions for causing the system to: generate arules list from the policy and the at least one other policy; resolveany conflicts in the rules list; and generate, responsive to theresolving, a consolidated policy from the rules list.
 13. The system ofclaim 8, the memory medium further comprising instructions for causingthe system to prioritize parent policies of the set of policies overchild policies of the set of policies.
 14. The system of claim 8, thenetworked computing environment comprising a cloud computingenvironment, and the network stack comprising a cloud computing stack.15. A computer program product for implementing policies in a networkedcomputing environment, the computer program product comprising acomputer readable storage media, and program instructions stored on thecomputer readable storage media, to: evaluate an applicability of apolicy to a set of layers of a network stack in the networked computingenvironment, the policy being drawn from a set of policies stored in atleast one computer storage device; determine an effectiveness of thepolicy as applied to the set of layers; and determine, based on theeffectiveness, a protocol for implementing the policy for at least oneof the set of layers.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, thecomputer readable storage media further comprising instructions tocompare a function of each of the set of layers to an underlying purposeof the policy.
 17. The computer program product of claim 15, thecomputer readable storage media further comprising instructions todetermine, for each of the set of layers, whether a set of standards setforth in the policy will be met if the policy is applied.
 18. Thecomputer program product of claim 15, the computer readable storagemedia further comprising instructions to consolidate the policy with atleast one other policy of the set of policies that is also applicable tothe at least one layer.
 19. The computer program product of claim 18,the computer readable storage media further comprising instructions to:generate a rules list from the policy and the at least one other policy;resolve any conflicts in the rules list; and generate, responsive to theresolving, a consolidated policy from the rules list.
 20. The computerprogram product of claim 15, the computer readable storage media furthercomprising instructions to prioritize parent policies of the set ofpolicies over child policies of the set of policies.
 21. The computerprogram product of claim 15, the networked computing environmentcomprising a cloud computing environment, and the network stackcomprising a cloud computing stack.
 22. A method for deploying a systemfor implementing policies in a networked computing environment,comprising: providing computer infrastructure being operable to:evaluate an applicability of a policy to a set of layers of a networkstack in the networked computing environment, the policy being drawnfrom a set of policies stored in at least one computer storage device;determine an effectiveness of the policy as applied to the set oflayers; and determine, based on the effectiveness, a protocol forimplementing the policy for at least one of the set of layers.